“Chinese” Developmental Zones in the Gulf: The Case of Kuwait’s North Economic Zone (Silk City)

Date: 2020-05-10

Author: Alanoud Alsabah & Mohammed Alsudairi

The report is the first in a series that will look at several China-linked park-port complexes in the GCC. This particular report investigates the historical origins, developmental trajectory, and current challenges facing the Silk City project in Kuwait. It is interested in gauging the extent to which Chinese actors – the state and economic entities - have been involved in this project. The series aims to bring into focus a more sober assessment of China’s presence in the GCC, and one that takes into account the complexities of local politics in shaping how the Beltand Road Initiative is either realized or impeded on the ground.